Bob Brookover

COLUMNIST

Sports columnist Bob Brookover joined the Inquirer in 2000 as the Phillies beat writer after long stints in the same role with the Camden Courier-Post and the Delaware County Daily Times. He also served as the National League columnist for ESPN. He made the move from rawhide to pigskin in 2003 and covered the Eagles for seven years before returning to his roots as the Inquirer's baseball columnist in 2010. He became a general sports columnist in 2013 and loves covering a variety of sports and events.

Third baseman Placido Polanco was placed on the disabled list Thursday with lower back inflammation. The team said his roster replacement will be announced before the start of the team's three-game series in Atlanta Friday.

Polanco had missed the Phillies' last three games because of the ailment. Manager Charlie Manuel said the injury is similar to a back injury that bothered the third baseman for much of last season.

The Phillies do not figure to miss Polanco's bat. Since his average topped out at .294 on June 4, he had hit just .184 with five extra-base hits -- all doubles -- in 32 games.

As we saw during Wednesday's extra-inning win over Milwaukee, the Phillies do miss Polanco's glove when he is not in the lineup. Ty Wigginton, playing in place of Polanco at third, committed two errors, including a dropped pop up that allowed the Brewers to score a go-ahead run in the top of the 10th inning.

Because he is considered a solid defensive player, Michael Martinez is probably a candidate to be recalled. Mike Fontenot can also play third base.